Diabetes UK

Nigel,

What is the point of a forum if not to express (dissenting) views? It would be a pretty dull life if each post just had a list of 'Yes, I agree' posts following it.

The wonderful thing about this site is that it confirmed to me that there was a way in which I could actively take control of my diabetes; and that was by dropping the carbohydrates as much as possible. Prior to that I had been getting 'good results' according to my consultant, GP and nurse. I had also got diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. These are now improving, when previously I had always been told that they would not and could not improve; my only choice was to limit the rate of decline.

How does disagreeing with the advice given by Diabetes UK equate with me believing that my "voice must be heard over that of scientific evidence and general mainstream advice"? I'm just trying to make sure people understand that there are options open to us; the orthodoxy does not have to be followed. Because following if for me was shaving years and years off my life.

Also, of course the "research and evidence" that they rely on is, I would humbly suggest, wrong.

So, this is not a "pointless tirade" - it for me is a matter of life and death and I'm going to shout about it, I'm not going to meekly follow that advice because Diabetes UK is a large and old organisation or because I should be grateful to them. We need to take responsibility for our health and our diabetes. I feel that there is such a disconnect between my day to day life now and what the DUK advice on how to manage diabetes is that the discrepancy needs to be pointed out. Loudly, if necessary. Docile bovine behaviour and doing as we're told never leads to innovation; and we really could revolutionise how diabetes is managed.

But do as you will; If you would like to follow what they suggest then please do, but it's vital that people have the chance to see another strategy with diabetes; one that might actually help?

Dillinger

Putting aside the dietary advice from Diabetes UK, which we all have issues with.

What do members think of the rest of what Diabetes UK does/achieves ?

noblehead said:

Dillinger,

Should you read my post again, you will find that I make a point of stating that their dietary advice has some 'grey areas'. I too, do not follow mainstream advice regarding carb consumption, having reduced my intake by half, but in general the advice regarding other foods such as fruit, veg, low-fat diary/meats, is inline with other health organisations and groups. Again, should you take the time to look at the recommended diet given to patients and members by the British Heart Foundation for example, you will see a similarlty to that of the DUK.

I recently spoke with a well respected consultant who is a diabetes specialist of many years, and also works in the cardio clinic at my local hospital. In brief, he said that there is a room for carb reduction in our diet, he suggested no less than 150g, but he strongly emphasized that a diet rich in fruit and vegtables, together with moderate portions of lean meat and diary. I asked why it was important to minimise meat intake, and was told that as diabetics, we are more prone to kidney disease, which eating to much protein can cause, he also said that our bodies needs glucose to function properly, moreso the brain.

Therefore, I think I will go along with the professionals advice, rather than listen to some people who seem to think they no better. And by the way, I was not doubting the right to free speech, moreover I was merely saying that it was wrong to slander a organisation that works on behalve of us all with diabetes.

Regards

Nigel

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Too true! I have yet to see a respected endocrinologist call for low carb diets, infact my own advised me that he didn't think they were a good idea. Now lets be honest doctors in the UK are overworked if it was a quick and easy fix to just tell type 2's to low carb why hasn't this been done? I'm sorry I don't buy the whole omg its part of some conspiracy by drug companies, DUK and doctors that seems to be the unstated opinion of some on this forum. I don't deny that people can live on a low carb diet infact some people such as Eskimos eat pretty much exclusively meat and fish, but that doesn't mean that that is the best possible diet. Diabetes is only part of your overall health no point saving yourself from that and dying of something else. The overwhelming opinion of trained and experienced medical experts in the field who have a far greater understanding of the way the human body works than most of the low carb zealots you find on the web is that carbs need to be controlled but that low carb is not the optimal diet for anyone including diabetics and could potentially cause other problems in the long term.